Limay, Bataan — Authorities reported that at least eight fishermen were arrested after they were caught blast-fishing off the waters of the town here recently.

The Limay Municipal Police Station, Limay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council and Bantay Dagat conducted a joint operation at the waters of Limay after receiving information that there was dynamite fishing in the area.

The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects on board various fishing vessels identified as Maceda, Bernaldo, Tapion, and two individuals surnamed Villanueva on board an unmarked fishing boat.

Additionally, the FB Pam-Dave was found to have on board Punay and two more individuals with the surname Villanueva.

The suspects were caught red-handed collecting Alubaybay fishes, which is indicative of dynamite fishing, a fact later confirmed by a fish examiner from the Provincial Agriculturist of Bataan.

During the operation, authorities confiscated significant evidence, including approximately 200 grams of Alubaybay fishes valued at P9,800, three fish finders with a total value of P45,000, six sets of fine fish nets valued at P42,000, and three fishing boats equipped with motors valued at P150,000.